Illegal Speed Racing Events Under Investigation

On Sunday, April 12, 2020, at about 8:15p.m., PPB received numerous calls of a large group of drivers blocking southbound Interstate-405 on the upper deck of the Fremont Bridge. Traffic Division Officers responded but the group moved along and the freeway was reopened. For the next couple of hours, officers received other reports of a group engaged in speed racing activities in various locations, mostly in North and Northeast Portland.

No arrests were made, but follow-up investigation is underway. If anyone has video of the event, or information about the drivers and/or vehicles that engaged in this activity, they're asked to send that information to the North Precinct Neighborhood Response Team at (503)823-5790 or e-mail Sergeant Jennifer Butcher at Jennifer.Butcher@portlandoregon.gov .

Irresponsible driving practices can have a deadly outcome. The Portland Police Bureau will continue its efforts in educating community members about the dangers of speed racing. This education will be conducted on our social media platforms and through one-on-one conversations with participants. Enforcement action will also continue against individuals who are suspected of committing these types of crimes.

The Portland Police Traffic Division is committed to providing enforcement and raising awareness regarding traffic safety for vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians. Each year, traffic officers respond to preventable collisions. These collisions can deeply impact those involved, their families and loved ones. Traffic officers' number one priority is to address behaviors of all road users that might lead to a collision, including speed, impairment, distraction, and disobeying signals.

The Portland Police Bureau works closely with our partners in government and the community to create safer streets and work toward reducing, and eventually eliminating, traffic fatalities as part of Vision Zero.